THANK YOU. I was literally SHOVED out of the way by some older dude with a big camera at a public viewing platform. He walked up and just pushed me aside so he could stand where I was. Seriously. These guys still exist and where they are mouthy to men they can be more physically demanding to women, esp small women when they think they can get away with it. I told him off and made him move, but it sticks with me. What would have happened if we'd have been alone. He didn't even ask me to just move for a moment, which I would have done. He just wanted to be where I was, where I'd gotten up early to be.... , and I'd not been there long, never mind hours. He just walked up and pushed me to stand there. You are completely right. It is selfish to think a photographer is the only one who has the right to anywhere out in nature. Yet a polite request for just a quick minute out of the way is totally fine. I even often offer and stand aside when I see someone trying to get a shot. As long as they aren't set up expecting us all to wait hours without enjoying the spot ourselves. Thank you for teaching good behaviour.
That's atrocious behaviour. He's not worth your time dwelling on him. Everyone should respect each other and you were obviously prepared to share your spot. Some people eh? Keep doing what you do and keep being awesome!
Really well put Tom. Completely agree - everyone has a right to be there. Doesn’t make it any less frustrating though... 🤦♂️ I have to say that in the lakes this week I found there to be a lot of very considerate photographers 👍
Awesome looking tripod. I'm no professional by any means so i know that some guys who are have a proper attitude when they see me with my canon 70d or 1200 d. They look at me with a disgusted look as if to say HA! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE? One guy even took the time to speak to me. He said I STARTED OFF WITH A WATER PISTOL TOO, BUT NOW I'VE GOT A PROPER JOB. I just smiled and hoped he'd drop his camera in the sea. I dont like to ask folk to move. I just find another competition untill the coast is clear. Great video again Tom thanks.
This sentiment from both of you guys is part of why I enjoy your content and approach so much. The photography community, as with any, is so heavily influenced by the mentors and voices folks look to. Living and showcasing / teaching and advocating for a relaxed and friendly inclusive humble approach is as powerful as it is valuable. Thank you!
Just shows why you are so admired… a more recent video where you took care to move around a beach to not leave footmarks was just incredible to see. Respect Tom.
You are right. And I remember how cautious your where in one of you're earlier videos ... when you did your best not to put your tracks in the sand on the beach ... Nice of you! To be polite, and care about other photographers! Thumbs upp!
🧡 Enduro Tripods. Bought the travel tripod (GTT204M2) last year. I’ve had the 304 carbon fiber version for 5 years. Sturdy, no maintenance, and east to take apart and clean. The one you have is a monster !
Great to see the patience and humility to accept that you're not entitled to take the shot. In an era of instant gratification and point and shoot photos, it's nice to see someone exhibit the patience or simply accept that you may not get the shot on that day. As for the knackered Manfrotto tripod, try carefully drilling the old bolts out and should be able to find some replacements. Keep up the great content Tom, great job
You know... I'm the type to plonk down a massive sentry gun type tripod, and I totally have the massive car to go with it. BUT I love nothing more than talking with amateur photographers. I do talk about gear, and swap stories, but I love amateurs the best. They're just starting their journey and whether it's a hobby for them or they're learning it as a profession, they ALWAYS remind me why I got into it. Their enthusiasm, and their totally fresh perspective is amazing to listen to and learn from. I've lost count of the amount of times some self-described newbie has blown my mind with the little tricks they thought of or their innovations that solve problems we as professionals just aren't aware of. It's brilliant. We should all take the time to enjoy the photography and learn from one another, otherwise it's just a race to the bottom, and that's no fun at all. Love your videos Thomas, best wishes.
I totally agree. Your enjoyment was getting a shot, theirs was the enjoyment of being there. You being there wasn't spoiling their view, so it's right to wait. You can usually tell who is a good photographer no matter whether they are using an iPhone or a Hasselblad. They take time to compose a shot.
This is how i feel about things, as a wildlife/macro photographer you get what you get, you can't always control everything, its the challenge of getting the shot that makes the whole process worthwhile.
Won't lie but you could still be a #Nice' photographer and just politely ask them to move if they would be able/ willing to.. it's not entitlement its basic common decency to ask. I think the basic and real true answer is that you were just a bit afraid to upset someone Thom and that isn't a bad thing - I believe this to be more true considering your emotions after your friend asked them to move.
This is my view as well. Admittedly, being 5'2" and cute helps, because I can politely ask them to move, just for long enough to get the shot. And I've honestly never had someone get upset about it.
For many many years, I've used the same Manfrotto that you used to use. Manfrotto makes spiked feet for it, which have the added advantage of also letting you use rubber feet. Since this is my only tripod, I can use it with spikes in grass or with rubber on the wood floors of my house. Weight is the biggest issue for me, so I prefer the lighter weight of the Manfrotto. I also strap it to the side of my bag and it fits nicely into one of the side pockets, which the Induro will not do. I occasionally have needed the center pole, and shoot at a very fast shutter speed to compensate. Finally, you can put the Manfrotto to the ground by sliding the center pole up and to the side. It's a bit awkward but its workable. I also rinse it off with fresh water after every trip where it might have picked up mud or salt.
Thomas, you lucked out on your tripod choice. I did lots of homework and have the same one (My wife and I share 3 Induro sticks of different sizes.) We had a quiver of RRS sticks and heads that have all been sold and replaced with Induro Sticks and three different brand heads: 1 for ball head (Arca Swiss Monoball), 1 for gimbal (Mongoose 3.6 Gimbal Head), 1 for pan/tilt (Manfrotto 405.). I have the ball head mounted on the standard base plate, pan tilt mounted on a center column and the gimbal on a leveling base. All of them drop right in that awesome wide stable module Grand base. It is the best "System" we have found and have a lot of hours pounding them into submission in pursuit of the shot😎🤙 Our Induro sticks spend time in knee deep salt water which we try to rinse before collapsing them if we can find a beach shower. After a while, I find they are very easy to pull apart and drop the whole kit in a warm bath to soak. Keep up the good work. Oh, yea! I find it easier to clone out than confront. I am personally glad to see people out enjoying the scene I am trying to capture and feel saddened if I am the only one around to enjoy it. My wife and I were shoulder to shoulder, tripods nested with 30 other photographers taking a sunrise shot of Mesa Arch, we both got fantastic shots, but the best part was talking with photographers from around the world. Enjoy life, enjoy people, and get the shot if you can.
Your Character is the best picture you can share with the world, Thomas. I'm a subscriber before the first 10.000 and i'm glad you have not change since then! Your love and respect for the surroundings is still the same! Keep up the great work! Cheers from Greece. 🤗🤗🤗
Well said. Everyone has a right to be there but they also have a duty to be considerate of others. Asking politely to be able to get the shot is a reasonable request in my book and I am also very aware of other photographers when I get to a site. There's enough room for everyone if we are just considerate!
Totally get this. What I encoutered on Isle of Skye is the other way around. A lot of tourists see someone with a tripod setting up, so there must be a beautiful photo there. And they just walk up to you, right in front of your camera, because you know "it'll only take a minute"...
I've only ever asked people to move one time. I was taking one of the best images of my life, a singular sunset at the Grand Canyon. I had studied the weather in general for a couple years and in that season specifically for two weeks to pick the right day to drive over from Los Angeles. It was a once in a lifetime perfect weather situation. There was a couple sitting in the frame. There was really only one spot for the right composition. I politely explained the situation and asked for two minutes. They obliged. I think it's ok if it's a rare enough circumstance but when I mean rare I say I've been shooting landscapes for more than a decade and I've only ever done it once.
A sane and sensible attitude to photography and life.
6 лет назад
I really admire how humble you are. And I even saw tears in your eyes when they came in your shot which I can completely understand. Keep up the good work...
Thomas, you are a good example. Unfortunately in this day an age people rarely consider others, it's refreshing to hear your attitude, good on you. cheers.
True, everyone has a right to be there. But everyone has the duty to be polite and ask if they are blocking somebody else. Being polite and unobstrusive to others is free and always highly appreciated. I have had a couple of people that would see me already set up and carelessly stand in front of the camera to get their shot. I also have a tripod with the same spikes: I wanted to poke those people!
You couldn't be more on parr. So very true. Before I took the hobby up, I didn't like getting that look from some person asking me to move for a shot, But wants u clean away from area, for many minutes. They feel like they own even my time. So well said.
Yes everyone has the right to be there. Rude of them to walk into your shot. I had a similar thing happen at the same arch. In my case I waited and was about to take the shot when a lady with 10 kids showed up. She looked at me and asked, would you like me to hold them back for you to take a shot. I gratefully accepted and she even kept other people from wandering into the shot. In return I took pictures of her with her kids with the arch using her camera for her. Sometimes the right thing happens when you are patient. Thanks for sharing your story
Had similar experiences. Last year other “professional” got too close to a snowy owl nest. Scared them away ruining it for every one. Many experiences with others moving in front of every one else. Your comments are right on.
I agree with Nick’s approach. It doesn’t’ have to be either suffer in silence or be confrontational. I ask people ‘if they wouldn’t mind moving’ with no expectation that they will move - merely that I am asking them a favour. It always works as most people haven’t even noticed me and are very willing to move and even have a chat about what I’m doing and what they’re doing. I only once had a confrontational idiot a long long time ago and I just walked away and moved my camera. Always be polite and respectful (as you said it’s not my landscape) but always ask. It’s not a problem... unless you’re British ;-)
I always try to be aware of what's going on around me and I often, not always, initiate conversation with other photographers to determine if I'm in their way, and then we work something out that makes us all happy.
I've used your new tripod's little brother for about seven years and I think you'll come to really appreciate it. I've never had a problem, it's rock solid and I love mine. FYI that removable center core allows you to replace it with something known as a centering column, which is probably more interesting for video than still, but it lets you level the camera on the tripod without the hassles of trying to tweak each leg and getting it right. all in all, a good purchase if you ask me.
I bought my first tripod at Hunt's Photo back in 1988, a Bogen 3001 with a 3 way head. I paid a good price for it and believe it or not, I still have the tripod and it still works like the day I bought it!
I agree with your point. . . to an extent. The real issue to me is not everyone's right to be there. Yes, no doubt we all have that right in public places. But the real point is one of common courtesy. When someone who comes after you and can't help but see you had set up a shot - maybe an hour before while you wait for just the right light - and despite that stands in front of you knowing that they have to be blocking your view (not just creeping in at the edge of a wide-angle) that's just rude. When we don't say anything (politely, of course) we ARE saying something, which is that it is just fine to ignore social norms. I certainly wouldn't suggest getting into an escalating argument over such a situation, but not only is there nothing wrong with saying something, but I suggest that there is an obligation to not allow people to be totally ignorant of the norms of social engagement. If we don't do that, it just becomes a free-for-all. Why queue in a line if everyone can just go to the front of the line whenever they feel like it? Why not change lines on the highway when you feel like it to "get ahead," just a little? I recall, several years ago, crossing a street mid-block when a car was coming down the street, somewhat misjudging his speed, but assuming he'd stop - and he did. But he yelled out the window "you're not that special, pal." I was embarrassed. He was right. I let my impatience determine that I could just depend on his good nature because I wanted to cross just then. That has stuck with me and reminds me that for us to succeed in a crowded world, we need to be more conscious of each other.
S - I think are missing the point. I never said that standing in line and standing in front of a scene were identical. What is the same is that in a civilized society there are certain reasonable expectations. When in a line it is that people are not going to ignore the line and simply go to the front while ever you e is patiently waiting. (Though queuing in line is very often in a public place “where everyone has a right to be”). The point is that in order for people to not have constant confrontations we all follow certain unwritten but well understood understandings. While I suspect it wasn’t your intention, your reply seems to suggest that you are among those who think it is, in fact, fine to go right into someone else’s photo since, after all, we all have the right to be there. And by the way, I made clear in my post that I wasn’t talking about people who unintentionally wonder into the wide-angle edge of a photograph, so I don’t know why you raise the issue of a 16mm lens. That clearly wasn’t who I was talking about.
I'm a photographer myself, and I've been in this situation many times myself. But it is not reasonable (irrespective of who got there first), to expect people to stay out of your shot for the length of time that photographers often wait to get their perfect shot in the perfect light. In the video, it seemed he was there for a considerable amount of time before the light was right for him. You don't own that space. Sure, it would be polite of them to move out of your shot for a few moments so you can get it, but for half an hour? 15 minutes? That is NOT reasonable at all. At that point, YOU are the one who is being rude and inconsiderate of others.
David Ramsey David I am with you. Being about half a century old now, I have watched over the past 15 years or so, “common courtesy “ get more and more rare. People that just don’t give a damn about what they are doing and to hell with anyone else is the mantra these days it seems. Like talking very loudly on a cell phone in a quiet place with other people trying to maintain a sense of peace in their mind. These rude people are an absolute scourge on society and are actually teaching other people, probably very young people that what they are doing is just fine and setting the completely wrong example. And of course our “media” with its massive tentacles that wrap around many people also teach this “Entitled” or “I am special” mentality. No one is special in this crowded world. We are just another human being out of 7 plus billion. They need to take that attitude and just, well you get the point. Wow my grandfather wouldn’t believe his own eyes or ears now. Hmm. It’s a sad trend that is certainly true these days and I can only think of the eventual result of this downward spiral in our society......😢😢😢
Crazy, years back I bought an 055 Magfiber (similar to your 055) and about a year ago I bought a Induro GIT404XL. Just like you, I realized how insanely stable it was nearly instantly. I think you'll be happy with it. I'm just a little sad, as its hard to travel with mine. I have to take checked bag for short trips because of the length, but I may buy a GIT305L if I see a great price and keep short trips to carry on. One other thing, their warranty is second to none. A quick call and a picture, and they send you a replacement segment to bolt on. Great company.
Interesting comment about crowds coming into your shot. I do find that especially now during COVID, when hordes of people seem to be flocking to the outdoors here, trying to find a quiet spot is more and more challenging. You're right in that other people have a right to be there too but a few people just have no consideration at all and will walk right in front of you. Most times, I just embrace the situation and if it works, include them into my composition. I had one photographer who wanted a similar composition to mine and without a word to me, set his tripod legs up between two of mine - banging into my tripod legs in the process. That was a bit much and I told him to back off, which he did. Thankfully, that seems to be an isolated incident.
I think people have gotten sick of the type of photographer you mention. They ruin it for everyone. I do ask people to move if I have to, but shouting at people is really unhelpful. I also try to be quick, as everyone deserves a chance.
Bang on Thomas. Just recently was put in the same situation. Went down my local beach (Birling Gap) for a Sunset. Some guy using a GoPro asked if I could stay out of the shot. I said sure, take your shot & i'll be on my way along the few miles of beach. He then remarks... "I'm doing a timelapse & don't want you in my shot"..!! I enlightened the fellow.. "This beach belongs to everyone, you don't get Carte Blanche on a public / national park area". He then remarks.. "Well, walk along the cliff face & shoot from there". If anyone knows this area well like I do, that is one thing you don't do. It's prone to rock falls & also landslides. Obviously I told him where he could stick his GoPro & I wasn't prepared to put my life in danger, so he could get his timelapse. Gotta take the rough with the smooth with photography, especially when timelapsing. As for the snobbery in Photography, I own a Canon 700d & use it to it's full potential. I know it's crop & I know it's entry, doesn't mean that guy with the 1D etc etc is going to pull off a better composition, gear doesn't make the shot it just helps with what it can do.
very good points, I once rappelled off Corona arch and the great thing is there are many different angles to photograph it. When encountering a group of people at a famous site or location I've found it can be a great opportunity to challenge yourself to compose the image more uniquely, (.e wider anger, differs view point, long exposure, etc)
I have to agree with you. I'll typically wait patiently for people to move. I either go really long exposure if they are milling around and hope they don't show up, or try to get them where I can remove in post. However, a couple of times, if it was just one or two people, I have asked them to move just long enough to get the shot and thank them when they do. I'm very polite and ask nicely.
You're a very considerate person. That being said if it were me and I saw another photographer setup to take a shot and I wanted to go where they were shooting towards I'd just walk over and ask if you had your shot already. If they were there first to me that's a completely different circumstance. Either way asking never hurts, most people are nice :)
I enjoyed listening to your personal thoughts on people being in the way, I think it reasonable to ask politely if people can temporarily move especially if the shot is moment specific....it can be done if a quip or charm . If they won't then a "fair enough " and a smile and no one is none thd worse.
When I got back from Moab, I definitely had non-buyers remorse because I didn't pick up one of the Induro tripods. I was going to try to put off purchasing another tripod for another six months or so but my current tripod decided to self retire. I ended up buying a different tripod but the ones at the conference really looked and felt nice. I'm glad you got one and i hope it gives you years of useful service.
Really enjoyed last weeks video Thomas! It was initially bugging me you wouldn't bother politely asking them to scoot because they almost certainly would and probably wouldn't think much of it.... but you really changed my opinion shortly after when you clarified that they have just as much a right to be there as you do. I think you explained yourself perfectly well the first time around but thanks for sharing your story! It's a good part of why I think your photography channel does so well! Keep it up, hope to see you in the field some day!
I've used a couple of Induro tripods for several years and can confirm that they are great and reliable long term. The twist clamp connections are also really easy to disassemble and clean and you won't have any corrosion issues with them as they are all plastic and carbon fibre.
Good of you to give a shout out to Gary and Hunt’s. They are my neighborhood photoshop in New Hampshire and Gary is a great guy. He hooked me up with a new bag in Moab. I know you don’t allow yourself to be bought by sponsors so I know your shout out is genuine.
Removing the base plate enables you to use for example a levelling base instead. A gimbal or any other head for that matter just screws on top of your current plate. Glad to see you finally use a tripod without a center column ;-)
Hi Thomas! As always, great content! Your are my greatest inspiration for getting out for photography and you have helped me so much on my own small journey trying to capture great images. This might be the first time I slightly disagree with something you said. Not about avoiding being an entitled, big-tripodded photographer, but about asking people to move. Albeit dependent on the situation, asking a few people to move to get the shot does not fall into that category. I find that if you ask politely people are more than happy to move and most often it's because they didn't notice that they were in the shot. If, however, this is what people are actually thinking about me when I ask, I might stop doing that. Anyway, your deeper message about not owning the landscape, I fully endorse!
Very glad to hear your take on photographer entitlement to location from last weeks video. I was surprised at how many replies there were in that last video that seemed to suggest the photographers use of these locations is some how primary to anyone elses use. I know you've said Nick was very polite when he asked the group to move, and I think that's a fine approach if you can strike the right tone and circumstances. But it also seemed clear to me from his facial expressions in that vid that he felt less deferential towards them than you did. I think I prefer your instincts to Nicks, I hope you don't start to compromise on that too much.
I agree with your thoughts about asking people to move but there is an alternative that has worked for me - I offer to take their picture in front of the feature in exchange for just a couple minutes of time without them in the scene. Generally I've found most people share your sentiments but sometimes they don't know they are in the middle of a scene and have been happy to work with me. And as I promised them, I do follow up by sending them a picture via email. May not work in all circumstances but as long as you are polite it has been a great way to meet people. When you've flown 3-4,000 miles to take a few pictures at the perfect time and you'll never be there again you have to get creative and use what works.
Nice to hear your thought process of asking people to move. I probably would've been patient as well. My ears perked up when you mentioned Hunts. I grew up a couple towns away from their first location which started as a pharmacy. There's quite a bit of history in the company....clipped from their website: Begun as a pharmacy in 1889 and acquired by pharmacist Solomon Farber in 1952, Hunt's began building its camera business during the 1950s under the visionary leadership of Solomon's son, Jack. As interest in photography grew, Hunt's began shifting its emphasis from the pharmacy business to the business of cameras and accessories. By 1993, imaging equipment became Hunt's primary focus. Last time I was there, the pharmacy was still a small part of daily operations.
Late last year i was at a lookout in the mountains west of where i live shooting a casual shot in not so good light just for the record and some young people with oversized smartphones and who were noisy and obnoxious just shoved there way in and started "Instagramming" then one of them destroyed a prominant grass tree flower spike that was over the fence (these iconic aussie plants take years to grow to maturity). As much as i want to believe that being the better person will change the world, the reality is in my area its getting worse and people like that are becoming very commonplace at the easy to get to lookouts and walks. And dont get me started on tourists who have NO boundaries and no respect for others or for the place where they are at. I know its a bit of a negative comment but thats what we face here in our area on a regular basis and it does make you want to just yell at people after a while! Phew i think i need to find a quiet space :-) haha
Wow! Heaton bought something that I’ve been using for 3 years now. I am really happy about my Induro GIT304L. I’ve got two of the bases: one for landscape and panoramas and the other for my wildlife setup, with the Wimberley head mounted to it. I truly love the fact that you can completely disassemble and clean it. TMI, but I’ve had a few showers with that tripod now. You will really enjoy this piece of kit Thomas.
I hear what you're saying about asking people to move although I was surprised when you mentioned in the previous video that they were all photographers. With that in mind they should have had the knowledge to keep out of someone else's shot, especially as they were so close by and could see you both standing there with tripods set up and waiting. It's not about owning the place, it's just courtesy. You've travelled a long way and hiked there with your gear as the other people did so surely they would understand. Thankfully they did in the end and were fine about it. Best of luck with the new tripod - it looks a beast!
Thomas, I have the same Manfrotto tripod as your old one. If you ever fix it, you could also change the feet for rubber feet with retractable spikes (Manfrotto 204SPK3). The spikes are a little short and, because they’re threaded to allow movement of the rubber domes, you need to keep them clean. But otherwise I’ve found them to be a decent upgrade to the tripod.
I'm one of those photographers who gets angry when people walk into my shots. I don't walk into other photographers shots -even if they're just amateur tourist photographers. I've never asked anyone to move out of my shots because I don't like confrontation. At 6'2" and 215 lbs I may be a little intimidating, but I'm not a bully. Thanks for putting these situations into perspective . We all have a right to be in these public places. I'm fortunate that I live in Colorado where I shoot most of my photography. If someone walks into my shot, I can always come back another day and try, again. For other people, this may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
I'm with you Tom. Nobody owns the landscape, and everyone not breaking the law/rules has an equal right to stand in it. Your courtesy is exemplary. I had people wander into a time lapse once at a remote ruined church, and it was pretty horrifying because I'd been there since 4 a.m. freezing my fingers off and had spent a whole hour just setting up the gear (it was a shot where I tracked back up a slope while tilting down, over about four hours). I wouldn't have dreamed of saying anything to them either, but as it turned out they spent a lot of time hidden behind the building and then came round behind me. I then explained what I was doing (politely) and they were kind enough to stay out of shot after that. I was really down about it after they left, because I knew I couldn't just remove the frames they'd spoilt (because of the camera motion I would have had a jump cut). However, I found that they were only on three frames, and somehow I managed to photoshop them out and everything was fine.
Nicely put words regarding some other photographers and people being in a shot. Be we photographers, tourists, walkers or whatever we are all equal and no more important than anyone else. I think it’s important to respect others and the landscape itself. The tripod looks like it would be very stable, think you made a good purchase there 👍🏻
Mr. Heaton, viewing this piece I was struck by how much the hook on your Enduro tripod reminded me of the design of most dog leash corkscrews. If you’re not familiar with such devices, it’s a corkscrew shaped rod that’s meant to be screwed into the ground and serve as an anchor to keep a dog on a leash limited to a circular area defined by the corkscrew / stake location. My idea is that rather than carry a heavy gear bag to serve as a steadying weight, one could simply pack a relatively compact and light dog leash screw and a cinch strap to accomplish the same thing. Screw the stake into the earth, place your tripod above the stake and lash the two together with the cinch strap. The added advantages are that these items could do double duty in a camping situation, and eliminate using bags, slings, containers as many do, also saving the photographer the from having to gather, manipulate and dispose of piles of rocks or sand.
Tip from Wivenhoe Bike Kitchen (bicycles also have to suffer the elements): Unstick seized bolts by pouring a kettle of boiling water over them. The expansion and contraction as the parts heat and then cool will free up almost anything.
Great comment about “owning” the scene. Also, my experience is that for every situation where a person is “in the way” I have 25 cases where people graciously, and on their own, move out of the shoot.
Well said life’s too short to stress about having fun. There will be other opportunities for sure. Nice tripod I’m sure it will treat ya right. Thanks for sharing
Hi Thomas here is a tip for you. Go buy some silicon grease, carefully undo those twist locks one at a time and apply a small amount of the grease. This will enable them to work better and add protection for when they get wet or dirty.I do this all the time small amount of maintainence for long term gain.
I saw one recently in a local wetlands where I frequently photograph birds in their natural habitat. He was armed with a huge lens and an even bigger attitude. Much too big, in fact, to even return my friendly "hello" as we passed each other. Fortunately I haven't spotted him again. And thankfully there are not too many like him.
You get a long way in life with a smile and asking politely =) I was very skeptic when you bought that light benro tripod but congrats with the new “heavyweight” =)
I don't have that specific model but I've owned and Induro tripod for years and have been very happy with it. The support is very good too if an issue should arise.
Totally agree. I've had different experiences where photographers were shooting engagement, senior or what have you pictures with assistants, reflectors and even lightning. They were using the beautiful mountain, everyone's mountain as a prop and for over an hour. Public lands are not your props. I've driven to a particular photo location that I love to get a particular shot and there were people there before I. Disappointed I made the best out of it by finding a less desirable place to shoot but my end thought was "it wasn't my day" and I'm okay with that. Mountains aren't props. Thanks for your videos.
I agree with you 100% Thomas. We spent 2 hours waiting at an event at the highest and best vantage point. 1, for me to get a photo and 2, for my wife who is in a wheelchair and can not stand to be able to see. The area in front of us was fenced off with signs saying no entry. About 15 minutes before the event started the photographers you mention turned up with step ladders ripped down the fences, opened up their step ladders and blocked the view of all those who had arrived early to get a good spot. My wife missed the event because of them.
Totally understand where you're coming from Thomas! Thankfully I live in an area where people are super nice and won't mind moving for a few moments so I can get a shot! I've stood in the middle of a street with my tripod( it wasn't that busy of a street) but when cars passed me they all waved and said hi! I think it all just matters on the culture and environment you're in at the time! Love your work! Keep it up!
Thank you for saying that, Thomas. I've encountered "that type" of photographer several times, and I always have a similar reaction, and fear that everyone else will associate me with them, simply by the fact that I have a camera. It's a bit irrational, but still a fear. Anyway, thanks for sharing. It truly made me feel like less of an outcast.
Congrats on the tripod Thomas, I got the CLT404L and it's a beast in regard to sturdiness. Fun fact: I had a Manfrotto before the Induro as well and switched because the Manfrotto broke. I keep cursing about the extra weight, but once I put it down that's all the reassurance I need. As for people walking into a composition, I'm very much the same as you, but I get really annoyed if those people aren't actually taking photographs, but instead are just standing there and talking to each other, all the while seeing me with a camera pointing right in their direction.
Very much agree with your points Tom but I do also feel it is equally important for others to share as well. The group in the way as photographers would have seen you setting up and could have offered to shift aside for a few moments while you got your shot as well!
Word! Just because you’re carrying an expensive gear, doesn’t mean you’re more entitled to the place . I’ve had experience with people on both end of the spectrum. People lined up, took photos for others and made sure the next one were happy with what they wanted before stepping in at Roy’s peak in early morning Wanaka, NZ. And there were some entitled people in Iceland who had set up their tripods literally yelling and swearing at people for getting in their shot . Besides, there were a bigger breed of people who were just trampling the sensitive environment around for the gram pictures despite of a clear sign to respect the surroundings. So just want to say thanks for atleast raising an awareness amongst photography community for environmental and behavioural etiquettes when visiting public and fragile lands. 👍cheers !
I enjoyed your explanation about asking people to move. I am also reluctant to do that and totally agree with you that they have as much right to be there as I do. Sometimes, though people are rather unthinking and/or just unaware that there are photographers trying to shoot the scene they are blocking. No matter what, it's tricky, and Nick did an admirable job. Nice solid tripod, the Induro, though it looks like the legs are spread a little wide when it's closed up. It certainly looks solid as a rock. Cheers, Bob.
About those people in the shot and asking them to move: of course nobody has the RIGHT to expect anybody to move! Totally with you on this. I wouldn’t have thought about any expectations in this situation though. I’d have suggested to do a little small-talk with them (I’m quite introverted myself as well, so I’m well aware what I’m suggesting;) ) - most people love to get to know other people - and while you’re doing small-talk, you can ask if they would mind stepping aside for one photo. That’s not expressing expectation, it’s asking for help politely. If I was asked something like this, I’d be happy to help, even it was going further. That’s just my 2 cents though. :)
Another great wee video Tom and I think deep down a lot of us are a bit shy when it comes to asking strangers to kindly move or pose or whatever but handled absolutely correctly. New tripod looks fab and indeed very stable, good luck, may you get many happy years from it, thanks for sharing.
Excellent points regarding people having a right to enjoy the national parks regardless of their camera status. It was great to see you practice what you preach during our recent workshop at Mesa Arch. 95% of the photographer mob were actually very cooperative. The other 5% would not have been missed. It's far too often we find self righteous photographers trying to own popular and public attractions. So neat that I recently graduated from manfrotto to induro recently as well. Now if I can just get the same quality of photos as you do.
Very enjoyable and informative video, most of all your pertinent message about sharing the scenery. Nice to hear you found a good tripod at Hunt's Photo & Video; I first purchased from them back in the 1980's and 90% of my current gear is from their Manchester, NH store. I always look forward to seeing your next video.
THANK YOU. I was literally SHOVED out of the way by some older dude with a big camera at a public viewing platform. He walked up and just pushed me aside so he could stand where I was. Seriously. These guys still exist and where they are mouthy to men they can be more physically demanding to women, esp small women when they think they can get away with it. I told him off and made him move, but it sticks with me. What would have happened if we'd have been alone.
He didn't even ask me to just move for a moment, which I would have done. He just wanted to be where I was, where I'd gotten up early to be.... , and I'd not been there long, never mind hours. He just walked up and pushed me to stand there. You are completely right. It is selfish to think a photographer is the only one who has the right to anywhere out in nature.
Yet a polite request for just a quick minute out of the way is totally fine. I even often offer and stand aside when I see someone trying to get a shot. As long as they aren't set up expecting us all to wait hours without enjoying the spot ourselves.
Thank you for teaching good behaviour.
That's atrocious behaviour. He's not worth your time dwelling on him. Everyone should respect each other and you were obviously prepared to share your spot. Some people eh? Keep doing what you do and keep being awesome!
Really well put Tom. Completely agree - everyone has a right to be there. Doesn’t make it any less frustrating though... 🤦♂️ I have to say that in the lakes this week I found there to be a lot of very considerate photographers 👍
Thanks dude. I heard you were knocking about the Lakes. We must have missed each other by a couple of miles.
Thomas Heaton yep - running workshop - stunning few days.
Awesome looking tripod.
I'm no professional by any means so i know that some guys who are have a proper attitude when they see me with my canon 70d or 1200 d. They look at me with a disgusted look as if to say HA! WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE? One guy even took the time to speak to me. He said I STARTED OFF WITH A WATER PISTOL TOO, BUT NOW I'VE GOT A PROPER JOB.
I just smiled and hoped he'd drop his camera in the sea. I dont like to ask folk to move. I just find another competition untill the coast is clear. Great video again Tom thanks.
Sorry i ment ANOTHER COMPOSITION.
This sentiment from both of you guys is part of why I enjoy your content and approach so much. The photography community, as with any, is so heavily influenced by the mentors and voices folks look to. Living and showcasing / teaching and advocating for a relaxed and friendly inclusive humble approach is as powerful as it is valuable. Thank you!
Just shows why you are so admired… a more recent video where you took care to move around a beach to not leave footmarks was just incredible to see. Respect Tom.
Thomas, you made my day in the last video. You should never apologize for being kind and giving photographers a good name.
You are right. And I remember how cautious your where in one of you're earlier videos ... when you did your best not to put your tracks in the sand on the beach ... Nice of you! To be polite, and care about other photographers! Thumbs upp!
Ah yes, I must return to Harris. Beautiful beaches :)
Completely agree. Stay true to you Tom 👍
I have watched everyone of your videos and admire you as an artist. But today, my respect for you grew several folds...
You're a gentleman....total respect you for your comments....makes me appreciate your work more !
🧡 Enduro Tripods. Bought the travel tripod (GTT204M2) last year. I’ve had the 304 carbon fiber version for 5 years. Sturdy, no maintenance, and east to take apart and clean. The one you have is a monster !
Thank you for reminding all of us that character is the true measure of a person, regardless of their station in life.
Great to see the patience and humility to accept that you're not entitled to take the shot. In an era of instant gratification and point and shoot photos, it's nice to see someone exhibit the patience or simply accept that you may not get the shot on that day. As for the knackered Manfrotto tripod, try carefully drilling the old bolts out and should be able to find some replacements. Keep up the great content Tom, great job
You know... I'm the type to plonk down a massive sentry gun type tripod, and I totally have the massive car to go with it. BUT I love nothing more than talking with amateur photographers. I do talk about gear, and swap stories, but I love amateurs the best. They're just starting their journey and whether it's a hobby for them or they're learning it as a profession, they ALWAYS remind me why I got into it. Their enthusiasm, and their totally fresh perspective is amazing to listen to and learn from. I've lost count of the amount of times some self-described newbie has blown my mind with the little tricks they thought of or their innovations that solve problems we as professionals just aren't aware of. It's brilliant.
We should all take the time to enjoy the photography and learn from one another, otherwise it's just a race to the bottom, and that's no fun at all.
Love your videos Thomas, best wishes.
I totally agree. Your enjoyment was getting a shot, theirs was the enjoyment of being there. You being there wasn't spoiling their view, so it's right to wait. You can usually tell who is a good photographer no matter whether they are using an iPhone or a Hasselblad. They take time to compose a shot.
This is how i feel about things, as a wildlife/macro photographer you get what you get, you can't always control everything, its the challenge of getting the shot that makes the whole process worthwhile.
Won't lie but you could still be a #Nice' photographer and just politely ask them to move if they would be able/ willing to.. it's not entitlement its basic common decency to ask. I think the basic and real true answer is that you were just a bit afraid to upset someone Thom and that isn't a bad thing - I believe this to be more true considering your emotions after your friend asked them to move.
This is my view as well. Admittedly, being 5'2" and cute helps, because I can politely ask them to move, just for long enough to get the shot. And I've honestly never had someone get upset about it.
Do they stammer when they reply?
For many many years, I've used the same Manfrotto that you used to use. Manfrotto makes spiked feet for it, which have the added advantage of also letting you use rubber feet. Since this is my only tripod, I can use it with spikes in grass or with rubber on the wood floors of my house. Weight is the biggest issue for me, so I prefer the lighter weight of the Manfrotto. I also strap it to the side of my bag and it fits nicely into one of the side pockets, which the Induro will not do. I occasionally have needed the center pole, and shoot at a very fast shutter speed to compensate. Finally, you can put the Manfrotto to the ground by sliding the center pole up and to the side. It's a bit awkward but its workable. I also rinse it off with fresh water after every trip where it might have picked up mud or salt.
Thomas, you lucked out on your tripod choice. I did lots of homework and have the same one (My wife and I share 3 Induro sticks of different sizes.) We had a quiver of RRS sticks and heads that have all been sold and replaced with Induro Sticks and three different brand heads: 1 for ball head (Arca Swiss Monoball), 1 for gimbal (Mongoose 3.6 Gimbal Head), 1 for pan/tilt (Manfrotto 405.). I have the ball head mounted on the standard base plate, pan tilt mounted on a center column and the gimbal on a leveling base. All of them drop right in that awesome wide stable module Grand base. It is the best "System" we have found and have a lot of hours pounding them into submission in pursuit of the shot😎🤙 Our Induro sticks spend time in knee deep salt water which we try to rinse before collapsing them if we can find a beach shower. After a while, I find they are very easy to pull apart and drop the whole kit in a warm bath to soak. Keep up the good work. Oh, yea! I find it easier to clone out than confront. I am personally glad to see people out enjoying the scene I am trying to capture and feel saddened if I am the only one around to enjoy it. My wife and I were shoulder to shoulder, tripods nested with 30 other photographers taking a sunrise shot of Mesa Arch, we both got fantastic shots, but the best part was talking with photographers from around the world. Enjoy life, enjoy people, and get the shot if you can.
Your Character is the best picture you can share with the world, Thomas. I'm a subscriber before the first 10.000 and i'm glad you have not change since then! Your love and respect for the surroundings is still the same! Keep up the great work! Cheers from Greece. 🤗🤗🤗
I recently picked up a smaller Induro Stealth. Without a doubt, best tripod I have ever owned
Well said. Everyone has a right to be there but they also have a duty to be considerate of others. Asking politely to be able to get the shot is a reasonable request in my book and I am also very aware of other photographers when I get to a site. There's enough room for everyone if we are just considerate!
Totally get this. What I encoutered on Isle of Skye is the other way around. A lot of tourists see someone with a tripod setting up, so there must be a beautiful photo there. And they just walk up to you, right in front of your camera, because you know "it'll only take a minute"...
I admired your attitude towards those other photographers- you are a true gentleman. Well done!
A special like for the first part of the video.. Being a humble human being is more important than getting an image.
I've only ever asked people to move one time. I was taking one of the best images of my life, a singular sunset at the Grand Canyon. I had studied the weather in general for a couple years and in that season specifically for two weeks to pick the right day to drive over from Los Angeles. It was a once in a lifetime perfect weather situation. There was a couple sitting in the frame. There was really only one spot for the right composition. I politely explained the situation and asked for two minutes. They obliged. I think it's ok if it's a rare enough circumstance but when I mean rare I say I've been shooting landscapes for more than a decade and I've only ever done it once.
A sane and sensible attitude to photography and life.
I really admire how humble you are. And I even saw tears in your eyes when they came in your shot which I can completely understand. Keep up the good work...
That is the ultimate landscape tripod! I have been using one for 6ish years. It is heavy but totally bullet proof
Thomas, you are a good example. Unfortunately in this day an age people rarely consider others, it's refreshing to hear your attitude, good on you. cheers.
I didn't read the comments on the last video, but I totally understood where you were coming from. I was glad you got your shot too!
Thankfully most Photographers I meet are polite with an awareness of others and the surroundings, and so it should be.
Such respect and humility... you’re a good guy Thomas Heaton
True, everyone has a right to be there. But everyone has the duty to be polite and ask if they are blocking somebody else. Being polite and unobstrusive to others is free and always highly appreciated. I have had a couple of people that would see me already set up and carelessly stand in front of the camera to get their shot. I also have a tripod with the same spikes: I wanted to poke those people!
You couldn't be more on parr. So very true. Before I took the hobby up, I didn't like getting that look from some person asking me to move for a shot, But wants u clean away from area, for many minutes. They feel like they own even my time. So well said.
Yes everyone has the right to be there. Rude of them to walk into your shot. I had a similar thing happen at the same arch. In my case I waited and was about to take the shot when a lady with 10 kids showed up. She looked at me and asked, would you like me to hold them back for you to take a shot. I gratefully accepted and she even kept other people from wandering into the shot. In return I took pictures of her with her kids with the arch using her camera for her. Sometimes the right thing happens when you are patient. Thanks for sharing your story
Had similar experiences. Last year other “professional” got too close to a snowy owl nest. Scared them away ruining it for every one. Many experiences with others moving in front of every one else. Your comments are right on.
Well said. I've run into photographers on both ends of the spectrum and the good ones are always so much better to be around.
I agree with Nick’s approach. It doesn’t’ have to be either suffer in silence or be confrontational. I ask people ‘if they wouldn’t mind moving’ with no expectation that they will move - merely that I am asking them a favour. It always works as most people haven’t even noticed me and are very willing to move and even have a chat about what I’m doing and what they’re doing. I only once had a confrontational idiot a long long time ago and I just walked away and moved my camera. Always be polite and respectful (as you said it’s not my landscape) but always ask. It’s not a problem... unless you’re British ;-)
I always try to be aware of what's going on around me and I often, not always, initiate conversation with other photographers to determine if I'm in their way, and then we work something out that makes us all happy.
I've used your new tripod's little brother for about seven years and I think you'll come to really appreciate it. I've never had a problem, it's rock solid and I love mine. FYI that removable center core allows you to replace it with something known as a centering column, which is probably more interesting for video than still, but it lets you level the camera on the tripod without the hassles of trying to tweak each leg and getting it right. all in all, a good purchase if you ask me.
You are right on with your regard to asking people to move and the aggressive photographer.
I bought my first tripod at Hunt's Photo back in 1988, a Bogen 3001 with a 3 way head. I paid a good price for it and believe it or not, I still have the tripod and it still works like the day I bought it!
I agree with your point. . . to an extent. The real issue to me is not everyone's right to be there. Yes, no doubt we all have that right in public places. But the real point is one of common courtesy. When someone who comes after you and can't help but see you had set up a shot - maybe an hour before while you wait for just the right light - and despite that stands in front of you knowing that they have to be blocking your view (not just creeping in at the edge of a wide-angle) that's just rude. When we don't say anything (politely, of course) we ARE saying something, which is that it is just fine to ignore social norms. I certainly wouldn't suggest getting into an escalating argument over such a situation, but not only is there nothing wrong with saying something, but I suggest that there is an obligation to not allow people to be totally ignorant of the norms of social engagement. If we don't do that, it just becomes a free-for-all. Why queue in a line if everyone can just go to the front of the line whenever they feel like it? Why not change lines on the highway when you feel like it to "get ahead," just a little? I recall, several years ago, crossing a street mid-block when a car was coming down the street, somewhat misjudging his speed, but assuming he'd stop - and he did. But he yelled out the window "you're not that special, pal." I was embarrassed. He was right. I let my impatience determine that I could just depend on his good nature because I wanted to cross just then. That has stuck with me and reminds me that for us to succeed in a crowded world, we need to be more conscious of each other.
S - I think are missing the point. I never said that standing in line and standing in front of a scene were identical. What is the same is that in a civilized society there are certain reasonable expectations. When in a line it is that people are not going to ignore the line and simply go to the front while ever you e is patiently waiting. (Though queuing in line is very often in a public place “where everyone has a right to be”). The point is that in order for people to not have constant confrontations we all follow certain unwritten but well understood understandings. While I suspect it wasn’t your intention, your reply seems to suggest that you are among those who think it is, in fact, fine to go right into someone else’s photo since, after all, we all have the right to be there. And by the way, I made clear in my post that I wasn’t talking about people who unintentionally wonder into the wide-angle edge of a photograph, so I don’t know why you raise the issue of a 16mm lens. That clearly wasn’t who I was talking about.
I'm a photographer myself, and I've been in this situation many times myself. But it is not reasonable (irrespective of who got there first), to expect people to stay out of your shot for the length of time that photographers often wait to get their perfect shot in the perfect light. In the video, it seemed he was there for a considerable amount of time before the light was right for him. You don't own that space. Sure, it would be polite of them to move out of your shot for a few moments so you can get it, but for half an hour? 15 minutes? That is NOT reasonable at all. At that point, YOU are the one who is being rude and inconsiderate of others.
David Ramsey David I am with you. Being about half a century old now, I have watched over the past 15 years or so, “common courtesy “ get more and more rare. People that just don’t give a damn about what they are doing and to hell with anyone else is the mantra these days it seems. Like talking very loudly on a cell phone in a quiet place with other people trying to maintain a sense of peace in their mind. These rude people are an absolute scourge on society and are actually teaching other people, probably very young people that what they are doing is just fine and setting the completely wrong example. And of course our “media” with its massive tentacles that wrap around many people also teach this “Entitled” or “I am special” mentality. No one is special in this crowded world. We are just another human being out of 7 plus billion. They need to take that attitude and just, well you get the point. Wow my grandfather wouldn’t believe his own eyes or ears now. Hmm. It’s a sad trend that is certainly true these days and I can only think of the eventual result of this downward spiral in our society......😢😢😢
Crazy, years back I bought an 055 Magfiber (similar to your 055) and about a year ago I bought a Induro GIT404XL. Just like you, I realized how insanely stable it was nearly instantly. I think you'll be happy with it. I'm just a little sad, as its hard to travel with mine. I have to take checked bag for short trips because of the length, but I may buy a GIT305L if I see a great price and keep short trips to carry on. One other thing, their warranty is second to none. A quick call and a picture, and they send you a replacement segment to bolt on. Great company.
Interesting comment about crowds coming into your shot. I do find that especially now during COVID, when hordes of people seem to be flocking to the outdoors here, trying to find a quiet spot is more and more challenging. You're right in that other people have a right to be there too but a few people just have no consideration at all and will walk right in front of you. Most times, I just embrace the situation and if it works, include them into my composition. I had one photographer who wanted a similar composition to mine and without a word to me, set his tripod legs up between two of mine - banging into my tripod legs in the process. That was a bit much and I told him to back off, which he did. Thankfully, that seems to be an isolated incident.
I think people have gotten sick of the type of photographer you mention. They ruin it for everyone. I do ask people to move if I have to, but shouting at people is really unhelpful. I also try to be quick, as everyone deserves a chance.
Your comments were wonderful. Kindness is its own reward.
Bang on Thomas. Just recently was put in the same situation. Went down my local beach (Birling Gap) for a Sunset. Some guy using a GoPro asked if I could stay out of the shot. I said sure, take your shot & i'll be on my way along the few miles of beach. He then remarks... "I'm doing a timelapse & don't want you in my shot"..!! I enlightened the fellow.. "This beach belongs to everyone, you don't get Carte Blanche on a public / national park area". He then remarks.. "Well, walk along the cliff face & shoot from there". If anyone knows this area well like I do, that is one thing you don't do. It's prone to rock falls & also landslides. Obviously I told him where he could stick his GoPro & I wasn't prepared to put my life in danger, so he could get his timelapse.
Gotta take the rough with the smooth with photography, especially when timelapsing. As for the snobbery in Photography, I own a Canon 700d & use it to it's full potential. I know it's crop & I know it's entry, doesn't mean that guy with the 1D etc etc is going to pull off a better composition, gear doesn't make the shot it just helps with what it can do.
Came here for the Tripod review, Stayed and earned respect for treating people like people!. 🙏🏻
very good points, I once rappelled off Corona arch and the great thing is there are many different angles to photograph it. When encountering a group of people at a famous site or location I've found it can be a great opportunity to challenge yourself to compose the image more uniquely, (.e wider anger, differs view point, long exposure, etc)
Love your approach. Way too many people think that a camera gives me special rights above others
I have to agree with you. I'll typically wait patiently for people to move. I either go really long exposure if they are milling around and hope they don't show up, or try to get them where I can remove in post. However, a couple of times, if it was just one or two people, I have asked them to move just long enough to get the shot and thank them when they do. I'm very polite and ask nicely.
You're a very considerate person. That being said if it were me and I saw another photographer setup to take a shot and I wanted to go where they were shooting towards I'd just walk over and ask if you had your shot already. If they were there first to me that's a completely different circumstance. Either way asking never hurts, most people are nice :)
I enjoyed listening to your personal thoughts on people being in the way, I think it reasonable to ask politely if people can temporarily move especially if the shot is moment specific....it can be done if a quip or charm . If they won't then a "fair enough " and a smile and no one is none thd worse.
When I got back from Moab, I definitely had non-buyers remorse because I didn't pick up one of the Induro tripods. I was going to try to put off purchasing another tripod for another six months or so but my current tripod decided to self retire. I ended up buying a different tripod but the ones at the conference really looked and felt nice. I'm glad you got one and i hope it gives you years of useful service.
Really enjoyed last weeks video Thomas! It was initially bugging me you wouldn't bother politely asking them to scoot because they almost certainly would and probably wouldn't think much of it.... but you really changed my opinion shortly after when you clarified that they have just as much a right to be there as you do. I think you explained yourself perfectly well the first time around but thanks for sharing your story! It's a good part of why I think your photography channel does so well! Keep it up, hope to see you in the field some day!
I've used a couple of Induro tripods for several years and can confirm that they are great and reliable long term. The twist clamp connections are also really easy to disassemble and clean and you won't have any corrosion issues with them as they are all plastic and carbon fibre.
Wonderful first class response Thomas ..... as we say in Italian ... Alla grande ! Sei proprio un bravo esempio.
Good of you to give a shout out to Gary and Hunt’s. They are my neighborhood photoshop in New Hampshire and Gary is a great guy. He hooked me up with a new bag in Moab. I know you don’t allow yourself to be bought by sponsors so I know your shout out is genuine.
Removing the base plate enables you to use for example a levelling base instead. A gimbal or any other head for that matter just screws on top of your current plate. Glad to see you finally use a tripod without a center column ;-)
Hi Thomas!
As always, great content! Your are my greatest inspiration for getting out for photography and you have helped me so much on my own small journey trying to capture great images. This might be the first time I slightly disagree with something you said. Not about avoiding being an entitled, big-tripodded photographer, but about asking people to move. Albeit dependent on the situation, asking a few people to move to get the shot does not fall into that category. I find that if you ask politely people are more than happy to move and most often it's because they didn't notice that they were in the shot. If, however, this is what people are actually thinking about me when I ask, I might stop doing that. Anyway, your deeper message about not owning the landscape, I fully endorse!
Very glad to hear your take on photographer entitlement to location from last weeks video. I was surprised at how many replies there were in that last video that seemed to suggest the photographers use of these locations is some how primary to anyone elses use. I know you've said Nick was very polite when he asked the group to move, and I think that's a fine approach if you can strike the right tone and circumstances. But it also seemed clear to me from his facial expressions in that vid that he felt less deferential towards them than you did. I think I prefer your instincts to Nicks, I hope you don't start to compromise on that too much.
I agree with your thoughts about asking people to move but there is an alternative that has worked for me - I offer to take their picture in front of the feature in exchange for just a couple minutes of time without them in the scene. Generally I've found most people share your sentiments but sometimes they don't know they are in the middle of a scene and have been happy to work with me. And as I promised them, I do follow up by sending them a picture via email. May not work in all circumstances but as long as you are polite it has been a great way to meet people. When you've flown 3-4,000 miles to take a few pictures at the perfect time and you'll never be there again you have to get creative and use what works.
Well done Thomas. I find most are considerate of others for the most part but like anything else, there is always one or two in a crowd.
Don’t change Tom. Be yourself sir. 👍📸
Nice to hear your thought process of asking people to move. I probably would've been patient as well.
My ears perked up when you mentioned Hunts. I grew up a couple towns away from their first location which started as a pharmacy. There's quite a bit of history in the company....clipped from their website:
Begun as a pharmacy in 1889 and acquired by pharmacist Solomon Farber in 1952, Hunt's began building its camera business during the 1950s under the visionary leadership of Solomon's son, Jack. As interest in photography grew, Hunt's began shifting its emphasis from the pharmacy business to the business of cameras and accessories. By 1993, imaging equipment became Hunt's primary focus.
Last time I was there, the pharmacy was still a small part of daily operations.
You're a good man, Charlie Brown. 🙂
Late last year i was at a lookout in the mountains west of where i live shooting a casual shot in not so good light just for the record and some young people with oversized smartphones and who were noisy and obnoxious just shoved there way in and started "Instagramming" then one of them destroyed a prominant grass tree flower spike that was over the fence (these iconic aussie plants take years to grow to maturity). As much as i want to believe that being the better person will change the world, the reality is in my area its getting worse and people like that are becoming very commonplace at the easy to get to lookouts and walks. And dont get me started on tourists who have NO boundaries and no respect for others or for the place where they are at. I know its a bit of a negative comment but thats what we face here in our area on a regular basis and it does make you want to just yell at people after a while! Phew i think i need to find a quiet space :-) haha
Wow! Heaton bought something that I’ve been using for 3 years now. I am really happy about my Induro GIT304L. I’ve got two of the bases: one for landscape and panoramas and the other for my wildlife setup, with the Wimberley head mounted to it. I truly love the fact that you can completely disassemble and clean it. TMI, but I’ve had a few showers with that tripod now. You will really enjoy this piece of kit Thomas.
Over the years I have bought several item Hunts and have always been very satisfied with the products and services.
Great advice Tom. Good to stay humble and also allow others to enjoy the landscape as much and we do.
I hear what you're saying about asking people to move although I was surprised when you mentioned in the previous video that they were all photographers. With that in mind they should have had the knowledge to keep out of someone else's shot, especially as they were so close by and could see you both standing there with tripods set up and waiting. It's not about owning the place, it's just courtesy. You've travelled a long way and hiked there with your gear as the other people did so surely they would understand. Thankfully they did in the end and were fine about it. Best of luck with the new tripod - it looks a beast!
Thomas, I have the same Manfrotto tripod as your old one. If you ever fix it, you could also change the feet for rubber feet with retractable spikes (Manfrotto 204SPK3).
The spikes are a little short and, because they’re threaded to allow movement of the rubber domes, you need to keep them clean. But otherwise I’ve found them to be a decent upgrade to the tripod.
I'm one of those photographers who gets angry when people walk into my shots. I don't walk into other photographers shots -even if they're just amateur tourist photographers. I've never asked anyone to move out of my shots because I don't like confrontation. At 6'2" and 215 lbs I may be a little intimidating, but I'm not a bully. Thanks for putting these situations into perspective . We all have a right to be in these public places. I'm fortunate that I live in Colorado where I shoot most of my photography. If someone walks into my shot, I can always come back another day and try, again. For other people, this may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
I'm with you Tom. Nobody owns the landscape, and everyone not breaking the law/rules has an equal right to stand in it. Your courtesy is exemplary.
I had people wander into a time lapse once at a remote ruined church, and it was pretty horrifying because I'd been there since 4 a.m. freezing my fingers off and had spent a whole hour just setting up the gear (it was a shot where I tracked back up a slope while tilting down, over about four hours). I wouldn't have dreamed of saying anything to them either, but as it turned out they spent a lot of time hidden behind the building and then came round behind me. I then explained what I was doing (politely) and they were kind enough to stay out of shot after that. I was really down about it after they left, because I knew I couldn't just remove the frames they'd spoilt (because of the camera motion I would have had a jump cut). However, I found that they were only on three frames, and somehow I managed to photoshop them out and everything was fine.
Love your comments on gear and people. Cheers
Nicely put words regarding some other photographers and people being in a shot. Be we photographers, tourists, walkers or whatever we are all equal and no more important than anyone else. I think it’s important to respect others and the landscape itself. The tripod looks like it would be very stable, think you made a good purchase there 👍🏻
Mr. Heaton, viewing this piece I was struck by how much the hook on your Enduro tripod reminded me of the design of most dog leash corkscrews. If you’re not familiar with such devices, it’s a corkscrew shaped rod that’s meant to be screwed into the ground and serve as an anchor to keep a dog on a leash limited to a circular area defined by the corkscrew / stake location. My idea is that rather than carry a heavy gear bag to serve as a steadying weight, one could simply pack a relatively compact and light dog leash screw and a cinch strap to accomplish the same thing. Screw the stake into the earth, place your tripod above the stake and lash the two together with the cinch strap. The added advantages are that these items could do double duty in a camping situation, and eliminate using bags, slings, containers as many do, also saving the photographer the from having to gather, manipulate and dispose of piles of rocks or sand.
Tip from Wivenhoe Bike Kitchen (bicycles also have to suffer the elements): Unstick seized bolts by pouring a kettle of boiling water over them. The expansion and contraction as the parts heat and then cool will free up almost anything.
Great comment about “owning” the scene.
Also, my experience is that for every situation where a person is “in the way” I have 25 cases where people graciously, and on their own, move out of the shoot.
Well said life’s too short to stress about having fun. There will be other opportunities for sure. Nice tripod I’m sure it will treat ya right. Thanks for sharing
You are a great ambassador for landscape photography.
Hi Thomas here is a tip for you. Go buy some silicon grease, carefully undo those twist locks one at a time and apply a small amount of the grease. This will enable them to work better and add protection for when they get wet or dirty.I do this all the time small amount of maintainence for long term gain.
You are not just a good photographer but what si even more important you are good man, good night 😊
I saw one recently in a local wetlands where I frequently photograph birds in their natural habitat. He was armed with a huge lens and an even bigger attitude. Much too big, in fact, to even return my friendly "hello" as we passed each other. Fortunately I haven't spotted him again. And thankfully there are not too many like him.
You get a long way in life with a smile and asking politely =) I was very skeptic when you bought that light benro tripod but congrats with the new “heavyweight” =)
I don't have that specific model but I've owned and Induro tripod for years and have been very happy with it. The support is very good too if an issue should arise.
Totally agree. I've had different experiences where photographers were shooting engagement, senior or what have you pictures with assistants, reflectors and even lightning. They were using the beautiful mountain, everyone's mountain as a prop and for over an hour. Public lands are not your props. I've driven to a particular photo location that I love to get a particular shot and there were people there before I. Disappointed I made the best out of it by finding a less desirable place to shoot but my end thought was "it wasn't my day" and I'm okay with that. Mountains aren't props. Thanks for your videos.
I agree with you 100% Thomas. We spent 2 hours waiting at an event at the highest and best vantage point. 1, for me to get a photo and 2, for my wife who is in a wheelchair and can not stand to be able to see. The area in front of us was fenced off with signs saying no entry. About 15 minutes before the event started the photographers you mention turned up with step ladders ripped down the fences, opened up their step ladders and blocked the view of all those who had arrived early to get a good spot. My wife missed the event because of them.
Totally understand where you're coming from Thomas! Thankfully I live in an area where people are super nice and won't mind moving for a few moments so I can get a shot! I've stood in the middle of a street with my tripod( it wasn't that busy of a street) but when cars passed me they all waved and said hi! I think it all just matters on the culture and environment you're in at the time! Love your work! Keep it up!
Thank you for saying that, Thomas. I've encountered "that type" of photographer several times, and I always have a similar reaction, and fear that everyone else will associate me with them, simply by the fact that I have a camera. It's a bit irrational, but still a fear. Anyway, thanks for sharing. It truly made me feel like less of an outcast.
Congrats on the tripod Thomas, I got the CLT404L and it's a beast in regard to sturdiness. Fun fact: I had a Manfrotto before the Induro as well and switched because the Manfrotto broke. I keep cursing about the extra weight, but once I put it down that's all the reassurance I need.
As for people walking into a composition, I'm very much the same as you, but I get really annoyed if those people aren't actually taking photographs, but instead are just standing there and talking to each other, all the while seeing me with a camera pointing right in their direction.
Very much agree with your points Tom but I do also feel it is equally important for others to share as well. The group in the way as photographers would have seen you setting up and could have offered to shift aside for a few moments while you got your shot as well!
Word! Just because you’re carrying an expensive gear, doesn’t mean you’re more entitled to the place . I’ve had experience with people on both end of the spectrum. People lined up, took photos for others and made sure the next one were happy with what they wanted before stepping in at Roy’s peak in early morning Wanaka, NZ. And there were some entitled people in Iceland who had set up their tripods literally yelling and swearing at people for getting in their shot . Besides, there were a bigger breed of people who were just trampling the sensitive environment around for the gram pictures despite of a clear sign to respect the surroundings. So just want to say thanks for atleast raising an awareness amongst photography community for environmental and behavioural etiquettes when visiting public and fragile lands. 👍cheers !
I enjoyed your explanation about asking people to move. I am also reluctant to do that and totally agree with you that they have as much right to be there as I do. Sometimes, though people are rather unthinking and/or just unaware that there are photographers trying to shoot the scene they are blocking. No matter what, it's tricky, and Nick did an admirable job. Nice solid tripod, the Induro, though it looks like the legs are spread a little wide when it's closed up. It certainly looks solid as a rock. Cheers, Bob.
Thank you.....thank you ....thank you .... first 5 min = most valuable lesson ever !!!
About those people in the shot and asking them to move: of course nobody has the RIGHT to expect anybody to move! Totally with you on this. I wouldn’t have thought about any expectations in this situation though. I’d have suggested to do a little small-talk with them (I’m quite introverted myself as well, so I’m well aware what I’m suggesting;) ) - most people love to get to know other people - and while you’re doing small-talk, you can ask if they would mind stepping aside for one photo. That’s not expressing expectation, it’s asking for help politely. If I was asked something like this, I’d be happy to help, even it was going further. That’s just my 2 cents though. :)
Another great wee video Tom and I think deep down a lot of us are a bit shy when it comes to asking strangers to kindly move or pose or whatever but handled absolutely correctly. New tripod looks fab and indeed very stable, good luck, may you get many happy years from it, thanks for sharing.
I have the same one and love this tripod, use it for both my gimbal head with my 500 f/4 prime and my landscape gear.
Excellent points regarding people having a right to enjoy the national parks regardless of their camera status. It was great to see you practice what you preach during our recent workshop at Mesa Arch. 95% of the photographer mob were actually very cooperative. The other 5% would not have been missed. It's far too often we find self righteous photographers trying to own popular and public attractions. So neat that I recently graduated from manfrotto to induro recently as well. Now if I can just get the same quality of photos as you do.
Very enjoyable and informative video, most of all your pertinent message about sharing the scenery. Nice to hear you found a good tripod at Hunt's Photo & Video; I first purchased from them back in the 1980's and 90% of my current gear is from their Manchester, NH store. I always look forward to seeing your next video.
Thomas, I’m so glad you said exactly how I feel about that crowd! They’re the primary source of litter too!!